Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease (HD), is a long-term infection by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis. [4] [7] Infection can lead to damage of the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. [4]This nerve damage may result in a lack of ability to feel pain, which can lead to the loss of parts of a person's …

How doctors diagnose leprosy. A healthcare provider diagnoses leprosy by doing a physical exam, looking at your skin and getting a nerve or skin biopsy.They may also get blood tests or perform tests of your nerves or muscles (like nerve conduction tests).. Depending on your symptoms, a provider might diagnose you with:

Apr 11, 2024 · What it is. Hansen's disease is caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis.The disease can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose. In some cases, body parts may lose their sense of touch and pain, increasing the likelihood of injuries such as cuts and burn.

Oct 25, 2023 · Leprosy (or Hansen’s disease) is a chronic, progressive bacterial infection that can cause disfigurement and disability if left untreated. Discover the symptoms and see pictures. Get the facts ...

Sep 14, 2023 · Leprosy Prevention. Early detection and treatment of leprosy is the best way to keep it from spreading. While your risk for catching it is low, you can reduce the odds further by avoiding close ...

Jan 24, 2025 · Leprosy, also known as Hansen disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused mainly by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. The disease affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. Apart from the physical deformity, persons affected by leprosy also face stigmatization and discrimination. However, leprosy is curable and treatment ...

Sep 15, 2023 · Introduction. Leprosy is also referred to as Hansen disease. It is a chronic granulomatous infection generally caused by Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis, both of which primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. "Mycobacterium leprae complex" comprises M. leprae and M. lepromatosis. Though both mycobacteria are classified as different species because of there DNA ...

Apr 11, 2024 · Hansen's disease (also known as leprosy) is caused by slow growing bacteria. Symptoms mainly affect the skin, nerves, and lining of the nose. Loss of sensation in affected areas can occur, increasing the risk of injuries going unnoticed due to the decreased ability to sense touch and pain.

Mar 24, 2025 · leprosy, chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, the peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord), and the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and eyes. It is caused by the leprosy bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae.Destruction of the peripheral nerves by the bacillus leads to a loss of sensation, which, together with progressive tissue degeneration, may result in the ...

Leprosy, also called Hansen disease, is a disorder known since ancient times. It is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae and is contagious, which means that it can be passed from person to person. It is usually contracted by breathing airborne droplets from affected individuals' coughs and sneezes, or by coming into contact with their nasal fluids.